06 Dec DRM education project test transmissions successfully enabled by RFmondial
As part of a DRM Consortium distance learning project promoted by several of its key members and industry partners, BBC and Encompass have been transmitting DRM for testing the distribution of audio, text and graphics in parts of the world where the internet is not available.
The latest test broadcast has been transmitted via a shortwave RIZ transmitter in the UK. In order to allow DRM to perform at the highest level, RFmondial has upgraded it by using the RFmondial’s DRM Exciter LVe.
The upgrade of the RIZ transmitter was necessary, as the RIZ company has ceased trading and spare parts are no longer available.
RFmondial’s latest developments include a fully digital broadcast exciter, tuneable within the longwave, mediumwave and shortwave frequency bands as well as in VHF. Together with the skilled experts at Encompass’s Woofferton transmitting station in UK, RFmondial integrated the RIZ control system into its exciter and fine-tuned the development so that both the requirements of DRM are met, and also those of pure analogue and simulcast transmissions. The final confirmation of the installation has been made during the successful second public test of the DRM education project in August when it was demonstrated that DRM is a suitable distribution platform for audio, text, graphics needed for distance education in parts of the world without internet access.
After the successful installation at Woofferton, BBC and Encompass are planning to upgrade other transmitters using the RFmondial’s broadcast exciter. This can be used not only for RIZ transmitters, but also for any other transmitter manufacturers including Transradio, Thomson, and Continental Electronics.
This clearly demonstrates that with DRM, the upgrades are possible saving precious time and money.
More information and images in regards to the DRM education project test transmissions can be found here.